Minneapolis — International Dairy Queen, Inc. (IDQ) has hired Phil Crawford to join the company as executive vice president and chief technology officer, reporting to the president and CEO. He leads IT and retail technology for the company and its more than 7,800 DQ® restaurants worldwide.
“Technology plays an increasingly critical role in empowering our business for our employees, franchisees and fans,” says Troy Bader, president and CEO at International Dairy Queen. “Phil’s proven success as a restaurant business and technology leader positions us for continued growth as we live our mission of creating positive memories for all who touch DQ.”
Crawford will be based in the IDQ global franchisee support center in Minneapolis. He succeeds Kevin Baartman, who is retiring later this year.
Prior to joining IDQ, Crawford led the global food, beverage and hospitality verticals at Adyen N.V. He also held CIO or CTO roles at CKE Restaurants (owners of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s), Godiva Chocolatier, Shake Shack and Yard House Restaurants.
International Dairy Queen, Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation and Dairy Queen Canada, Inc. Through its subsidiaries, IDQ develops, licenses and services a system of more than 7,800 DQ restaurants in more than 20 countries. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. For more information, visit www.DairyQueen.com.
SOURCE: International Dairy Queen